BlogPod: A Unified Theory of Giving, Part 1

Steven Manuel talks with Darren Baldwin about involving your body in prayer (6:00), using The LORD’s Prayer (11:20), slowing down in Bible reading (13:45), busyness as the enemy of God’s Presence (18:45), repentance as a normal part of relationship with God (31:00), and getting past the fear of man in pursuit of God’s heart (40:00).

2 Kesä 202147min

Steven Manuel and Mark Parrett continue their conversation about poverty (10:30) as Mark reviews the book Scarcity: Why Having Too Little Means So Much, by Eldar Shafir and Sendhil Mullainathan. It describes, with research, how “not having enough” impacts people. It makes us stupid, insecure, impulsive, makes us spend money unnecessarily, etc. Mark tells about a dumb purchase he made at Princeton (38:30), dealings with poor tenants (44:30), hamster-wheel living (49:40), and all the gross things that a poverty spirit produces. Here at Abe’s Wallet… we hate poverty (and love PLANNING, which is one of the antidotes to it)!

26 Touko 20211h

Steven Manuel and Mark Parrett discuss the Biblical understanding of Poverty (8:00). They see that the Bible says poverty is a problem (16:30), that giving is something the poor can’t much do (27:00), that giving too much is unwise (41:30), and what God’s will is for the righteous (51:15) (hint: NOT poverty!). They waste the last few minutes talking about NBA playoffs (1:02:00). Goobers.

19 Touko 20211h 8min

Steven Manuel sits down with Ross Dykstra to discuss his miraculous transformation from insecure stay at home dad to leader of a booming construction business. Ross’ story is about God discipling him and his wife into their God-ordained roles, and the joy (and pain) that comes from engaging in that journey of obedience. Steven also can’t help himself from gushing about Ross’ physique…?

12 Touko 20211h 3min

Is it godly to maintain your property? We say yes. Mark and Steven talk about the biblical responsibility of maintenance (8:30), then interview with Blake Staley, owner of Drop Detailing in Salt Lake City, Utah. He talks about his family business and what you and I can do to better care for our cars (33:30), and shares tales of horror from a car detail professional (45:00). Don’t miss the discount code mentioned by Blake for high quality car maintenance supplies!

5 Touko 202152min

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel sit down to discuss the weird wild world of alternative asset class investments, including crypto, gold, and... sneakers? Wondering whether it's smart to dip your financial toe into these volatile waters? Scared of "mission out on the action"? Wondering if it's (a different kind of) gambling (than normal market investing)? Tune in and listen up!

28 Huhti 202141min

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel sit down to discuss the weird wild world of alternative asset class investments, including crypto, gold, and… sneakers? Wondering whether it’s smart to dip your financial toe into these volatile waters? Scared of “mission out on the action”? Wondering if it’s (a different kind of) gambling (than normal market investing)? Tune in and listen up!

28 Huhti 202141min

Mark Parrett and Steven Manuel talk about what to do AFTER you’ve turned in your taxes. They review the need to, you know, DO your taxes (9:00), whether tax refunds are a good or bad thing (11:30), when and when not to celebrate with unexpected money (16:00), wise steps to take if you received a big refund (21:10), the “safe harbor” tax provision (25:00), how to maximize standard deductions (29:20), whether or not you need a CPA (40:15)  …and Steven’s strange and ignorant fascination with jail time.

21 Huhti 202148min